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What the..... ??


 

"What the....??," the very first painting from the "Cherished" series, 24" x 14", acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a cattle dog mix and a gray tabby kitten, aka Finnigan Jones and Mona Lisa, collection of the artist.

 
I don't think I'm ready to part with this painting quite yet, but I can create something just as fun starring your pets -email me!

 
 
 
 
 

To keep the composition simple, I opted to eliminate the rug (you can see the reference here), and I'm wondering now if it should be there. Without the rug, there's a lot of negative space and I'm not entirely convinced it's the best thing for the painting, but am content to let things sit for a bit until I can "see" how to do it differently.

 
I painted the shadows out and sketched the rug in, then the voice inside my head told me to take the rug back out and replace the shadows. Still, I wonder. Maybe I'll go back in with some glazes and make Finni's shadows softer still.....

 
These are the sort of decisions I make - and then second guess - every day.

 
Not nearly as exciting as solving a challenging engineering problem or troubleshooting computer code or even crunching numbers, but I get to do those things every so often too. Like just yesterday when I wrapped and shipped 5 different sized paintings in the same carton, tracked down and deleted an open process file corrupting my contact management database, and balanced my checkbook.

 
Meanwhile, my next mission is to cook dinner and run the track carpool.

 
Enjoy your evening!
Kim
 




A Call For Muses

 
In anticipation of participating in a large scale art event, I am creating a fresh body of work. 

 
Hence my latest request  - bring me new muses!!

 
The concept is "Cherish." I am looking for images of animals depicting a realm of emotions in the hopes of painting a fraction of the sorts of relationships we share with our companions.

 
Please note that photos do not have to include people - I'd rather prefer to leave the human form out altogether, as this allows the viewer to bring their own personal interpretations.

 
You are invited to submit non-flash photos for consideration:
  • Photos must be taken by the submitter - no exceptions. 
  • Photos should be in focus, and the animal must make up at least 1/4 of the photograph. 
  • Please note that by virtue of submitting photographs, submitters are granting me permission to create original artwork from the materials they submit. 
  • Submitters are not required to make any purchase of artwork or reproductions, but will be offered first rights to anything created.
  • Photos should be sent via email to with the subject line "Cherish"

Photos I plan on painting will be uploaded to the "Cherish" photo album inside the studio's Facebook page. I will also add links to the completed paintings as the series of work progresses.

 
I am really excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing the latest leg of the Painting a Dog a Day journey with you!!
 
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